| Benadryl | Flonase | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic | diphenhydramine | fluticasone propionate |
| Active ingredient | Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg | Fluticasone propionate 50 mcg per spray |
| Type | Oral antihistamine (pill), older type | Steroid nasal spray |
| Label uses | runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat, common cold symptoms | nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, itchy, watery eyes |
| Nasal congestion on label | No | Yes |
| Drowsiness | Marked drowsiness | No drowsiness warning |
| How often | Every 4 to 6 hours | Once a day |
| Youngest age on label | 6 years | 4 years |
| Maximum | 6 doses in 24 hours | 2 sprays in each nostril once a day |
The main differences
They are different kinds of medicine. Benadryl is an oral antihistamine (pill), older type you swallow; Flonase is a steroid nasal spray you spray into the nose. Flonase's label lists nasal congestion among its uses; Benadryl's does not.
On drowsiness: Benadryl: The label warns "marked drowsiness may occur", and that excitability may occur, especially in children. Flonase: The label has no drowsiness warning.
For children, Flonase is labeled from age 4, while Benadryl is labeled from age 6.
Dosing: Benadryl is every 4 to 6 hours; Flonase is once a day.
Which might suit you
- you want a dose you can repeat every 4 to 6 hours and drowsiness is not a problem
- a stuffy nose is your main problem
- you need to stay alert during the day
- it is for a child aged 4 or older
This is based only on what the two labels say. Neither label claims to work better than the other. A pharmacist can help if you have other conditions or take other medicines.
Dose by age
Benadryl
- Adults and children 12 and over: 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Not more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
- Children 6 to under 12: 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Not more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
- Children under 6: Do not use.
Flonase
- Adults and children 12 and over: Week 1: 2 sprays in each nostril once daily. Week 2 through 6 months: 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, as needed. Ask a doctor about use beyond 6 months of daily use.
- Children 4 to 11: 1 spray in each nostril once daily, with adult supervision, for the shortest time needed. Ask the child's doctor if needed more than two months a year.
- Children under 4: Do not use.
Key warnings
Benadryl
- Do not use with any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on the skin.
- Do not use to make a child sleepy.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have glaucoma, a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate.
- Marked drowsiness may occur; excitability may occur, especially in children.
Flonase
- Do not use to treat asthma, in children under 4, or with a nasal injury or surgery that has not fully healed.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have or had glaucoma or cataracts.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you take ritonavir or other HIV medicines, another steroid medicine, or ketoconazole pills.
- The growth rate of some children may be slower while using it.
Compare prices for Benadryl Compare prices for Flonase
Frequently asked questions
Is Benadryl or Flonase better?
Neither label claims to work better than the other. Which suits you depends on your symptoms, age, and whether drowsiness matters, as compared above. A pharmacist can help you choose.
Can you take Benadryl and Flonase together?
The labels don't cover taking these two together. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before combining allergy medicines.
Sources: Benadryl Allergy Drug Facts label (OTCLabels, from DailyMed); Flonase Allergy Relief Drug Facts label (Guideline Central, from DailyMed). Checked October 17, 2026. Not medical advice. How we check.